Physical activity and mental health in caregivers of mental ill patients in Greece

• DOI: 10.14198/jhse.2020.15.proc3.36
• Publication Date: 2020-09-18T11:35:38Z
• Authors: Thomas Zacharis; Georgios Lyrakos; Vasiliki Z. Zisi
• Keywords: Depression; DASS

The present study is one of the first attempts to examine connection physical activity with mental health people that care for family members illness.Caregiving a load negative effects on well-being but caring member illness results higher psychological burden, due other factors involved (i.e.stigma).Physical and exercise have been found be variables lead better quality life caregivers in many chronic illnesses.The participants were 300 patients -family (96 men, 204 women) mean age 60.64 (±10.08) years old.They administered Leisure Time Physical Activity questionnaire according their responses, they divided two groups: physically active sedentary.Mental was assessed using DASS 21 questionnaire, three subscales: depression, anxiety stress.According one-way MANOVA, had score than sedentary counterparts all (p < .001),stress .01),depressive symptoms .001).According results, even low intensity, seems play an important role caregivers' by leading reduced stress, depressive symptoms.Although more research needed this area, it interventions should considered as additional type support offered ill patients.